Human error and poor technique can compromise the best safeguards put in place to protect laboratory workers. Well informed, competent and safety-conscious staff are essential for preventing laboratory-acquired infections, incidents and accidents.
All staff should have safety training; this should include reviewing the code of practice and the practices and procedures incorporated into the safety manual. The laboratory manager should ensure that staff are trained, and that their technical competence in performing different procedures is evaluated. Training should always include information on safe practices to be followed to avoid or minimize risks of inhalation, ingestion and inoculation. Training should also include information on how to properly decontaminate and dispose of infectious material.